Terrible Lecturer. Grading was fair. From 1-10 in difficulty examples given in class are a 1 and test questions are a 10
took the 6 series with Geller. He's really into the topic and wants you to focus on applications. His tests were easier than Sapling. I would suggest going to lectures for the practice probs he did in class. Do the probs he posted on gauchospace.
Geller definitely made the class/tests a lot harder than it had to be. This is a level entry Physics class made for Non-Physics students, yet he would make the tests difficult enough to the point where the avg. score was always around a D. I walked away with a grade I was happy with but had to put in a lot of work, so it depends if youre up for it.
I got straight A's in Physics 6A and 6B, then ended up with a B- in Geller's physics 6C class. He's not a terrible lecturer, but doesn't do example problems in class, just explains concepts. Definitely wouldn't recommend for 6C if you have a choice. Prepare to spend time in the PSR trying to figure out everything he doesn't explain.
I dont know why he has a bad rep, he was such an amazing professor and really tried to apply physics to the science field. Geller is better than Freund in my opinion, barely scraped by in Freunds when I studied nonstop. For Geller I could study at least 3 days ahead of time and got an A-. I love how Geller teaches, really made physics interesting!
Lectures are mandatory because iClicker, but lectures are very pointless. If he is not ranting about something he is doing a demo. Little to no notes are taken during lecture. Exams are free game and formula sheet given is not helpful whatsoever. It is best to find your own resources and learn from the homework and CLAS
Geller does not teach his students at all. All he does is demos in class, and maybe covers 1 or 2 equations. He should stick to research and let someone who has a passion for teaching do the teaching. There's no clear level of expectations that he has. Be prepared to teach yourself everything, because he won't be the one to teach you.
Geller's lectures were really fun to attend because of the fact that he does a lot of demos and talks about real life applications of the physics. We do a lot of problem solving on Sapling so it's helpful to see why. He uses iClickers but that helps boost your grade. A lot of people don't like his lectures but they're also the ones who don't go.
Lecture is focused on concepts and demonstrations instead of problem solving which isnt for everyone. I personally think its better that way bc the math isnt hard but if you dont understand the concepts you wont know where to start. Read the textbook and do Vinces CLAS problems and its not too hard of a class.
Geller's lectures are pretty interesting but they wont help you pass the tests. Reading the book is a necessity in order to pass. CLAS is also super helpful, as Geller does not do practice problems in class and the tutors help fill in a lot of information he skips over. No curve but his test averages were quite high (78 on mideterm and 72 on final)
To be honest, Geller's lecture is boring, he doesn't talk a lot about problem-solving strategies but a lot of experiments and other stuff. So then you have to really read the textbook and do all the questions from CLAS. he doesn't even have practice exams which would make you feel very nervous before exams. His exams are way easier than homework.
Average was super high. Was hoping to get a B because the class has a historically nice curve but ended up with C+ because there was no curve in the course.
This is a professor has interesting lectures and demos. The exams may little bit harder than homework and in-class practice but i could promise that all contents are included in the lectures.
Professor Geller was a solid choice. He is very passionate about his subject matter, and makes the information very accessible in lectures. I would do readings, and just practice with new problems you haven't seen before. Heavy weight in the online homework, weights as much as the first midterm. The homework helps, and is basically free points.
Geller's lectures are absolutely terrible, but you kinda feel the need to go anyway. Out of an entire quarter (TR lectures), he had three day's worth of iClicker. Doesn't teach, just talks about applications and astronomy. Also, he sounds like Bentley from the Sly games. Big oof.
Geller is an average professor. He is really passionate about physics which is great, but his lectures are very conceptual, and he doesn't cover much of the 'practical' stuff. The final only covered the concepts that he discussed in class, so just do problems to familiarize yourself with the equations and you'll be fine.
Lecture is mostly conceptual stuff that wont be test material, but still go for the equations and problems that he wants you to know. Practice hard problems and go to CLAS. Read the book. No curve or very little curve.
The test is much different from his class material.
Geller is a true gem. He really cares about his students and his passion shines through. Straightforward exams if you like physics.
Final harder than the midterm. Lectures are mostly applications, but the few problems he does are helpful for the exams. CLAS is useful. Practice doing hard problems to be ready.
Geller is good lecturer. I respect the way he lectures. He knows what he's talking about and tries to elaborate as much as possible. However, he can get off track sometimes. He lectures, but he gives the vibe that he doesn't care about the the students which makes him lecture differently.
He goes over more conceptual and application stuff in class, so some people didn't like that he doesn't really go over solving equations in class. The midterms and finals are based on the homework, so definitely study homework problem and you'll be fine. Also recommend going to CLAS.
Unless you are naturally phenomenal at math and physics, avoid taking a class with Geller at all costs. Took 6A with him and got a C. Then took 6B with him and got a C-, which meant needing to go back and repeat it. Went to his office hours and was told that I'm "just not that good at physics, huh?" when I asked him a question. Rude+ condescending.
Professor Gellers lectures are pretty interesting and is pretty funny every once in awhile. The homework is worth a lot sake sure you do it and do it right. The midterms can be tough but as long as you practice problems you should be fine. Same goes for the final.